A person known to myself, was giving me advice the other day (on a tram) regarding artistic inspiration. They mentioned how many artist make the trip to Hill End or Dubbo to fill their cup for new ideas and inspiration. Truth be know, changing your environment is a great way to find new creativity. 
However it made me realise how lucky I am. I actually do not have enough time in the day to actualise all the things I am inspired by, there is just too many. I would never get any sleep and I would then probably not like being creative. 


My cup is pretty full, and I do know that this is a very fortunate thing. Tapping into my intuition and having my eyes wide open, trying not to miss the "every day beauty" around me is my artistic secret. Reading and writing and experimenting with new mediums also keeps things invigorated. I also think it is important to not pigeon hole yourself to one thing. I love to paint but I always get pulled back to paper and collage....so I run with it as opposed to thinking it will diminish my painting. Eyes forward and eyes opened!


"Inspiration doesn't owe you anything. Once you've found a balance between fear and creativity, you still have to do the work." Elizabeth Gilbert 

Today in my workshop we explored collage and stencilling with canvas and acrylics. The room was the quietest I have ever heard, with 5 little creative souls concentrating very hard on their works of art. Thank you to everyone who came today, I am so lucky to get to share this with you.

I found this quote today and it got me thinking (how, on so many different levels) of it's truth. Not only of the people in our lives (as well as those that are not present in our lives anymore) but in my case with my paintings. Creativity is such a vulnerable and personal road, one that can leave you very attached (with love) to the end result. Each one of my paintings is like a little birth of something within me and over the last few months I have had to learn this lesson of letting them go, quicker than what is my usual practice (gratitude to Late September, as she has a clever ability in selling them).  My blessing with this quote is that if I know how to love, I will never run out! 

I had a successful workshop today, it got me thinking, what makes a successful art workshop? I guess it starts with, what is your definition of success? I realised that today my definition of success involves a lot more than recognition and wealth. Success to me, sounds like the squeal of delight as a young student stamps her art work with a beautiful palm tree, or the kindness of the students sharing and helping each other and saying what they like about each others art work. Success is a Mum (who has brought 4 little girls to the art workshop) tell me how "relaxing" it is as she sits painting & gluing away encircled by her troops. Success, is being surrounded by happy and creative individuals who are in complete joy, living in the moment. 

Today I got to share the process of making collage hearts with a fabulous group. I have to say all the creativity going on around my table was so great to watch and everyone's hearts were so individual. I am most grateful that I get to share the properties of art making! I think everyone left feeling, satisfied, relaxed and happy.

Good morning, I did a yoga class yesterday that touched on the concept that the grass isn't greener on the other side if we just water our own grass. Watering our own grass means nurturing and growing our souls. It's important to not just show gratitude for what we have but to also give back to ourselves, wether that be a yoga class, time reading a book or maybe being creative..........what gift will you give yourself today?

When the New Year approaches, I often feel like I just roll with it and into it. But the start of 2015 has found me kind of giddy with the prospect of 12 new months ahead! I will continue on my path of encouraging creativeness, making affordable art, hopefully inspiring those that think they lack creativity, teaching and most importantly learning. I wish everyone a wonderful 12 months ahead and look forward to hearing from you all, on the blog, or FB and Instagram! 

I am not sure if it is meant to take a painter over 12 months to finish a painting. Spiritual Warrior has been a journey, as with most of my art, I really do not know where she came from. The painting started on it's path with my beautiful friend Kiera. Kiera wanted to paint and so with I as her teacher we started on our sessions which covered so many things. The beauty of creativity is not just the paint and materials but also the therapy it provides, the ability to let go and show your vulnerability on the canvas, to be non - judgmental. It can help you to tap into your intuition not just on the canvas but expanding into everyday life. In my teachings I also coaxed how to detach from what is happening with the painting and let it evolve. So as Kiera painted so did I, side by side - connection was what we found, not only together but with our materials and within ourselves. Spiritual Warrior is a 12 month story of - grief and loss, sadness Motherhood, nature, joy, yoga, love and Dharma - Life Purposes. The paining was aptly completed while I was on Power Yoga's, Modern Day Yogi Project an amazing 6 weeks of self study, yoga and health. Spiritual Warrior is not around for long but you can see her soon at the beautiful Sam's shop, Late September in Glenbrook. 

The lead up to Christmas has been wonderful, the tree has been decorated, Christmas craft has been coming home from school and I made a big decision not to send Christmas cards. Sending cards is something I have done forever, and somewhere along the line I realised I felt obligated to do it rather than something I enjoyed  doing, effectively it had become another task to tick off the Christmas list.  So I made LOVE cards instead, with a 2015 wish on the back, they are a little pice of art  that I can add to Christmas gifts and give as "Thank you's". Oh and the beautiful Sam from Late September sold one of my paintings and there is one last mixed media workshop for 2014!